Latest updates:
- In November and December 2022 we will be writing to people in Lewes district and Eastbourne who could be eligible for the latest round of Household Support Fund grants - Household Support Fund example letter
Does your household need extra financial support? If you’re finding it difficult to keep warm, buy enough food or pay essential bills, you may be able to get extra help.
Residents in Lewes district and Eastbourne can now apply for help from the government’s Household Support Fund, which local councils are now helping to pay out.
Residents of Lewes district can also apply for the Lewes district 'safety net' fund - you only need to apply once to get both payments. For more information on the safety net fund download the eligibility criteria, and visit our main cost of living support page: lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Eastbourne Borough Council is making further funds available to community and voluntary organisations to support its residents.
How do I qualify for help?
You must live within the council’s area, be over the age of 18, have recourse to public funds, and be finding it difficult to pay for heating, lighting, water bills or food. You must also be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction but not receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Income Based Job-Seeker’s Allowance
- Income Based Employment & Support Allowance
Or do not qualify for any means tested benefit but have a low household income.
What costs can I get help with?
You can get help with the cost of food and utility bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders.
Check whether you quality for support by downloading the Eligibility Criteria below.
How will I receive the financial help?
If you qualify, help with meeting the cost of energy and water bills will be paid direct into your bank account by way of a one-off payment of £250 per household. Eligible Lewes District residents will also receive a £400 top-up payment from the Cost of Living Emergency Fund subject to available funds.
What information should I have to hand before I apply?
Having the following to hand will help speed up the application process and how quickly we can check that you qualify for help.
- Your national insurance number
- Your bank account number and sort code
- If you do not qualify for a means tested benefit but are on a low income, you may be asked to supply payslips and/or bank statements.
How is this scheme being funded?
All of these programmes are supported by the Department for Work and Pensions, who have allocated £3.9M of government’s Household Support Fund to East Sussex.
This fund is available up to the end of March 2023, but may close sooner depending on how many applications for help are received. Lewes District Council are also making funds available to residents in Lewes district.
How do I apply?
You will be able to apply online using the Grant Approval website.
Apply online
The best way to apply is online as you will receive notification of the decision and can track the application. However, residents who are unable to apply online can call 01323 415047 and a member of the team will make the application on your behalf.
During this telephone call you will be asked to supply your National Insurance Number as well as your sort code and account number please have these to hand when you call as your application cannot be made without this information. If you are not in receipt of housing benefit or council tax reduction, you may need to supply evidence of your income and capital.
Are any other types of help on offer?
Yes – further, advice and help are available across the County as follows:
- Warm homes check service - if you’re worried about keeping warm at home and you are on a low income, contact the team to get free advice and see if you qualify for help with any upgrades to things like windows, boilers, or insulation. Keep warm and well | East Sussex County Council, text WARM to 80011 or phone 0800 464 7307.
- Advice and support. Contact Citizens Advice, who can help direct you a range of advice and help services. They can also put you in touch with a range of voluntary groups and foodbanks across East Sussex that have also been given extra funding to help East Sussex residents manage extra the extra costs we are all facing this winter.
- Citizens advice, Eastbourne - Call 0800 144 8848 or find advice online at Citizens Advice Eastbourne - eastbournecab.co.uk
- Citizens Advice, Lewes - Call 0808 278 7892 or find advice online at Lewes District Citizens Advice | East Sussex Citizens Advice - lewesdistrictcab.org.uk
- BHT Sussex – offer a range of services, details can be found on their website - www.bht.org.uk
